Things seem to have reached fever pitch this week before we descend into Christmas and some well-earned time out. Between our end of year deadlines, late night festivities, and over-indulgences, I suspect it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to say that for most of us, ‘wellbeing’ has by now well and truly been relegated to the ‘to do’ list for 2015.

We all strive to achieve happiness. When we’re happy we feel great, we work hard, and we build meaningful relationships with those around us. So it’s no wonder organisations are seeking to maximise their returns by investing in employee happiness, or 'wellbeing'.

I recently had the privilege of hearing Sharon Parker, a Winthrop Professor at the UWA Business School, University of Western Australia (and Honorary Professor at The University of Sheffield), present her research findings on helping people to ‘make things happen’. Sharon posed the question ‘why is it that some people do not ‘step up’?’ She explained that there tend to be three ‘types’ of people; those who watch what happens, those who wonder what happens, and those who make things happen. What emerged as the distinguishing factor between these three groups were the behaviours of those who make things happen – namely, they anticipate, think ahead, and are self-initiated to bring about change.

As promised, this is my second instalment of insights from the recent International Congress on Coaching Psychology. In this entry I want to share my key learnings from Professor Stephen Palmer’s workshop on a topic close to many of our hearts… ‘Tackling procrastination’. Stephen is an award winning Chartered Psychologist, accomplished Author, Academic, and Executive Coach amongst other roles, based in London.

Stephen started his workshop by normalising the behaviour; we all procrastinate at times. In fact, some of us seem to thrive like adrenaline junkies on the frenzied approach to completing tasks

I’m delighted to report on an awesome few days at the 4th International Congress on Coaching Psychology. It was brilliant to hear about the latest international coaching research and practice, to reconnect with some past lecturers and associates, and to continue to build my professional network both locally and globally.

My key ‘take-away’ from the two days was the reminder that we are navigating our lives, careers, and relationships in the context of a ‘VUCA’ world – a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Importantly, in order to push through we need to hold our anxieties, harness positive emotions such as courage and hope, and move forward on the basis of often-imperfect information.

‘The Career Guide’ is very excited to be attending the APS 4th International Congress on Coaching Psychology this week in Melbourne!

Coaching psychology can be defined as 'the systematic application of behavioural science to enhance life experience, work performance, and well-being'. It is derived from a number of theoretical frameworks and it is this scientific/ evidence-based approach to coaching coupled with our corporate insights that underpins The Career Guide’s ‘modus operandi’ (and sets us apart from other career advisors!)

Starting your career, improving the course of it, or changing it altogether can be daunting. I know, because I’ve been there, as both subject and coach.

Compounding this pressure is the fact the employment landscape has fundamentally changed (and with the pace of online social and business based media it will continue to do so with even greater ferocity going forward).